Missing Afghan trainees described as 'friendly, nice guys'

Sources said Moody Air Force officials told law enforcement agencies they believe the two missing men were no longer in the Valdosta area. (Source: WALB)

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, GA (WALB) -

A civilian employee at Moody Air Force Base says the two missing Afghan trainees were "really nice guys," and spent most of their time at the base, especially on the weekends.

The employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the two men were regulars at establishments on the base, and took note when they were no longer around over the weekend.

She said they were quite friendly, and despite their broken English, they interacted kindly with everyone.

The two Afghan trainees were last seen on Dec. 4, and reported missing on Dec. 8 after they did not report for duty.

They were interested in the English language, and wanted to learn more, the employee said.

She also noted that she was initially skeptical of whether she could personally trust them, but soon realized that they were "good people."

Air Force officials said the two men have been training with the 81st Fighter Squadron at Moody, part of a program to train pilots and maintenance crew members on Afghan A-29 Super Tucano fighter planes.

Sources said Moody Air Force officials told law enforcement agencies they believe the two missing men were no longer in the Valdosta area.

Air Force and Defense officials said there was no reason to believe either of the two posed any kind of threat.

Moody officials said they would not be releasing the names of the two men or any pictures of them.